Transfer Portal Season Begins

With the transfer portal now open, college football teams across the country are preparing to make strategic moves as players look for new opportunities. This year’s portal will be open from January 2 to January 16, marking a shift from last year’s window, which ran from December 9 to December 28. The elimination of the spring transfer window means this is the only time for athletes to switch schools during the academic year.

Players Transferring to Utah

Utah has seen several incoming transfers who are expected to bolster the team’s roster in the coming season:

• Marcus Wimberly, a freshman safety from Oklahoma, redshirted in 2025 due to an injury.
• Lucas Samsula, a sophomore defensive tackle from Wyoming, recorded 15 tackles and 1.5 sacks in 2025.
• Ethan Day, a defensive end from North Texas, had impressive stats with 53 tackles, seven tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, and a forced fumble.

These additions signal a strong effort by Utah to strengthen its defense and special teams.

Players Leaving Utah

On the flip side, several players have decided to move on from Utah, either through transfers or other career paths:

• Dallas Vakalahi, a sophomore defensive tackle, recorded 11 tackles in 2025.
• Smith Snowden, a junior cornerback, tallied 7 tackles, two interceptions, and nine breakups.
• Tao Johnson, a redshirt junior safety, contributed 51 tackles, two interceptions, and four pass breakups.
• Rayshawn Glover, a junior wide receiver, had 4 catches for 62 yards and 6 punt returns for 81 yards.

Other notable departures include Alex Cloward, Kalolo Ta’aga, John Henry Daley, Raycine Guillory, Isaac Wilson, Drew Cowart, Jaylen Moson, Christian Thatcher, Jaxson Jones, Bryan Spotwood, Omar Shah, Devin Green, Justin Stevenson, Brendan Zurbrugg.

Key Players Returning to Utah

Despite some departures, several key players have committed to returning for the 2026 season:

• Jackson Bennee, a sophomore safety, recorded 64 tackles, four tackles for loss, four interceptions, and five pass breakups.
• Nate Ritchie, a junior safety, had 25 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, and one pass breakup before suffering a season-ending injury.
• Rabbit Evans, a senior safety, was a starter but suffered a season-ending injury at Wyoming.
• Dillon Curtis, a freshman kicker, had a stellar season with 11 of 15 field goals made, 68 of 71 extra points, and 63 touchbacks on 91 kickoffs.

Other returning players include Creed Whittemore, a redshirt sophomore wide receiver, and Byrd Ficklin, a freshman quarterback.

Players Declared for the NFL Draft

Some standout performers have opted to enter the NFL Draft:

• Caleb Lomu, a redshirt sophomore offensive tackle, recorded 8 pressures and no sacks allowed, earning a PFF grade of 68.5.
• Spencer Fano, a junior offensive tackle, had 5 pressures and no sacks allowed, with a PFF grade of 84.8.
• Logan Fano, a junior defensive end, tallied 44 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks.

Seniors With No Remaining Eligibility

Several seniors have concluded their college careers:

• Moroni Anae, Lander Barton, Dallen Bentley, Luca Caldarella, Blake Cotton, Joey Cheek, Levani Damuni, Ryan Davis, Bryce Duke, Frankie Goodson, Jaren Kump, Michael Mokofisi, NaQuari Rogers, Otto Tia, Tanoa Togiai, Aliki Vimahi, Zereoue Williams, Alex Harrison.

Utah’s 2026 High School and Junior College Signing Class

Utah has also made significant strides in recruiting for the 2026 class, featuring a mix of high school and junior college prospects:

• Kelvin Obot, a five-star offensive tackle from Fruitland High.
• Salesi Moa, an athlete from Fremont High, rated as a four-star.
• Mataalii Benjamin, a four-star offensive tackle from Lehi High.
• LaMarcus Bell, a three-star running back from Lake Oswego High.
• Moses Sparks Jr., a three-star interior offensive line player from V. Sue Cleveland High.

The class includes several three-star recruits such as Fameitau Siale, Preston Pitts, LaGary Mitchell, PJ Takitaki, Michael Johnson, Kane Archer, Major Hinchen, Aisa Galea’i, Dylan Waters, Bear Fisher, and Tayson Reid.

This comprehensive class highlights Utah’s commitment to building a competitive team for the upcoming seasons.